Protesters demanding the rescue of a stranded humpback whale in the Baltic Sea off Poel island entered a restricted area. Police pushed back about ten people. The animal's condition has worsened further.
Around 50 demonstrators gathered in the evening at a blocked water access to the bay off the Baltic Sea island of Poel, where the humpback whale lies in shallow water. About ten people entered the restricted area, prompting police to push them back, a ministry spokesman said. Under police escort, two low-bed trucks that an animal protection group had brought to the island also had to leave. The group criticized the police action as disproportionate.
In recent days, several people have tried to reach the whale, including a woman in a neoprene suit who jumped from an island ferry into the water. Environment Minister Till Backhaus (SPD) said the whale's health has deteriorated: "Our scientific advisors now assume that water has collected in the whale's lungs," indicating severe organ damage.
The humpback whale first stranded about two and a half weeks ago at Niendorf on Timmendorfer Strand. After help from rescuers digging a trench, it briefly freed itself but restranded near Wismar. On April 7, Backhaus decided based on an expert assessment to halt further rescue attempts and let the whale die in peace. A protection zone was established.
Several urgent proceedings at the Schwerin Administrative Court failed; seven applications were rejected by Friday, with three still open on Monday. Backhaus urged restraint on futile criminal complaints: "Intervention is only permissible if it actually helps the animal."
